Colin Payne of Exeter is Wyomissing PT Player of the Week
Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Week
Colin Payne made a quick transition from the football field to the basketball court. Just a few weeks after leading Exeter to a District 3 Class 5A championship the 6-3 senior recorded career scoring highs in back-to-back games, and has the Eagles off to a fast start.
“Colin is coming off one of the most spectacular weeks I have ever seen in my coaching career,” said Eagles coach Matt Ashcroft after watching Payne score 28 points in a 62-41 win over Twin Valley and 33 points in a 65-60 victory over Red Lion.
Those big games have earned Payne Wyomissing Physical Therapy boys basketball Player of the Week.
“Colin is one of the most gifted basketball players I have ever coached,” said Ashcroft. “He is one of the few players who can score from any spot on the floor. He is as skilled as they come.”
Payne was good on 4-of-9 shots from 3-point range against Twin Valley; he also had six rebounds, three steals, two blocks and took two charges. Against Red Lion he made 10-of-13 shots from the field, 9-of-10 from the foul line, had four rebounds and one steal.
“One of the most incredible things about this past week is the efficiency with which Colin played,” Ashcroft said. “He averaged 30.5 points on fewer than 15 attempts per game.”
Through seven games Payne is averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and is shooting 92.3 percent from the free throw line. His 48 free throws (in 52 attempts) are tops in Berks.
As a junior Payne led the Eagles in scoring at 14.5 points per game, and with 28 3-pointers in 17 games.
The Eagles are off to a 5-2 start after winning twice last week. They won just three games last season.
“Colin is the heart and soul of our team, and his unselfishness is easily his most impressive trait,” Ashcroft said. “He truly puts the team and winning above any individual accolades.”
In football, Payne threw for a program-record 2,381 yards as Exeter went 10-4, earned its first district championship and played eventual state champ Penn-Trafford in the PIAA semifinals. He set program records for completions (134) and passing attempts (224) in a season; his 23 touchdown passes were one off the program record. He was selected Wyomissing Physical Therapy Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Gov. Mifflin, when he threw three TD passes.
He also plays outfield and shortstop for Exeter’s baseball team.
Payne is the second Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Week this season. Berks Conference coaches nominate their top players each week. At the end of the season a Player of the Year will be selected.
Previously selected for the Wyomissing Physical Therapy Player of the Week:
- Dec. 20: Matt Harley, Gov. Mifflin.
You can find the Berks boys basketball honor roll here.